The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-12
DEATH OF MR.. JAMES DICKSON.
A Brief Illness Unexpectedly Terminates
Fatally-Sketch Of His Life.

Mr.. James Dickson, for many years prom
inent business man of this city, died 1t 10
o'clock last night, at the residence OF his son,
George A. Dickson No. GA North Pennsylvania
street, from blood poisoning caused by car
buncle. Three weeks ago his condition took
serious turn. However, ne partially recovered
from that attack, and was believed to be improv-
ing until yesterday, when he began to grow
rapidly worse, and died at the hour FAMED.
Mr Dickson was seventy-one years OF age.
He was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, In
August, 1916 AT the age of thirteen he entered
dry goods store, in which he spent most OF his
time until his father emigrated to this country.
in 1882. The family first settled in Philadelphia,
but after few months residence there they
moved to Pittsburg, where James was employed
In foundry at 37l cents per day. From there
he went to Wheeling, where he was engaged as
clerk ia store for two years, receiving for his
first year $50 and $75 for the second Leaving
the store, he began working as stone-mason,
and followed the trade for two years.
In 1910 he formed partnership with Mr..
Smith, and opened an auction house in Allegheny
City, which existed one year, during which
time. through the dishonesty Of his partner, he
lost all he had-Sl, 500-and found himself in
debt 5000. In lS43 he purchased fourth inter
est in lightwater steamboat, with
Ills savings as book -keeper for
couple OF years, and went on board as
clerk. He held his interest in the boat two
years. during which it ran in the winter season.
on the Cumberland river, above Nashville, and
In the summer on the Ohio In 1915 he was
married in Cincinnati. After engaging in sew
sra branches of business until 1855, he moved
to Jennings county, this State, and purchased a
lime quarry. For four years he man.
ufactured lime and shipped it to
this city In 1859 he sold ont his quarries and
came too this city, where he formed partner
ship with Mr.. Valentine Butsch in the coal and
lime business. He has since made this city his
home. He and Mr. Butsch did the leading coal
and lime business for many years Their firm
operated the first block coal mine opened
IN Clay county, and shipped from
their mines the first block coal used in this city
Ia 1868 he and Mr.. Butsch jointly bought and
completed the Academy of Music The same
year he purchased half interest in the Metro
poitan Theater. now the Dime Museum A
little later he purchased an interest in the Capt.
tai City iron works, in which he remained a
partner uuil 1870 He was also largely interested
In the city glass works For years he was known
as of the citys most active business
men, and helped erect many Of the prominent
buildings of the city. Mr.. Dickson always had
the highest opinion of Indiana, and although he
had some money when he came within the bor-
ders OF the State still it was here he made his
fortune and achieved success. MIR. Dickson
leaves surviving him his wife and six children
They are Mrs John r. Pearson, Mrs Fl. e.
Smith, and Messrs. George A.. James B., John
u. and William G. Dickson, all residents of this
cty